Ok, I've got a Clubman on the way that has the convenience package and Bluetooth in the armrest. That inspired me to research compatible phones, and I think I've settled on a RAZR V3m. After reading a number of threads, I learned that in order for this whole thing to work, you must have the proper cradle/insert to mate up with your phone. I guess there were a few surprised customers who didn't find that out until they picked up the car.

So, to spare myself that particular brand of trauma , I'm going to try to be proactive by asking if anyone has access to a list of cradles/inserts and the phones they will accept? Failing that, I guess I could call the dealer - but where's the fun in that?

 

You do NOT need the cradle for Bluetooth to work. Bluetooth is wireless, so it would be a bit silly if you needed to plug it in for things to work. What you gain with the in-armrest connection is that it will charge your phone while you drive and connect it to the car's external antenna. You'll have to decide if these two items are important enough for you to go with the armrest connection. Otherwise, it will work just fine sitting in the cupholder in front of your gear shift, or in your pocket, or sitting on the seat next to you. I've never had reception problems with my phone in the car, so I'm happy without the armrest connection.

 

Here is the list for the snap-In adapter for bluetooth wireless technology:

Apple iPhone: 84 10 9 182 792 $140.00
BlackBerry Pearl:84 21 0 439 151 $125.00
Motorola V8/V9: 84 21 0 442 784 $140.00

Any of these models will work with the MINI arm rest thingy.

 

I figured it would work without the cradle, but the cradle is a more elegant solution. Thanks for posting the p/n's for the cradles. I'm wondering if those are the only ones offered?

 

I posted a list of everything I could find over in the Bluetooth Compatibility thread

Careful though, there's IBUS and MOST compatible versions according to a German PDF I've run accross, and the part numbers are different for each. IBUS should be for pre-R56, MOST bus for R56 and on.

If you've got one, I expect your dealer should be able to verify it's correct or get the correct one if it's not.